Lenten Worship Series: The Power of the Underdog
Overview: It is easy to cheer for an underdog. They have to overcome forces that supposedly are stronger than they are. Jesus was an underdog. He was born to poor parents of no standing. He operated outside circles of power. He only had only one component going for him: the power of God. We as Christians, by nature, are underdogs. Turning the other cheek doesn’t exactly strike fear in opponents. Loving your neighbor doesn’t promote wealth, power or fame. But we shouldn’t be taken lightly. God is in us. Christian underdogs know the tough task at hand; that they must give a tremendous effort; that need God’s help; and that God can move mountains. During these 40 days before Easter we examine some challenging feelings we encounter and how God’s Way can deliver us when we are the underdog.
Feb. 17 (Ash Wed.) - Alone with God
We are a society that struggles with being alone, especially with our own thoughts. We often find it odd if someone want to be alone. Yet in our gospel for today Jesus tells us to close the door and be alone with God for as we do we receive incredible power. Sometime it is good to be alone.
Lesson: 2 Cor. 6: 3-10 (There can be a lot of false perceptions and we can be okay)
Gospel: Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21 (Give in secret - don’t trumpet yourself)
Feb. 20-21 - Hungry for What Satisfies
During Lent we are encouraged to fast and to feel the hunger that comes from being denied food. This spiritual exercise helps us rely on other sources of energy to give us life. It is good to be hungry especially for what truly satisfies.
Lesson: Romans 4:13-18 (Law bring wrath - it depends on faith - Abe believed as was blessed)
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13 (Jesus tempted by the Devil)
Feb. 27-28 - Alienated but in the Right Place
People constantly wish to make us feel alienated in an effort to make them feel at home. Today we hear that Herod did this with Jesus. As a ruler he felt threatened by Jesus’ popularity amongst the people and so sought to kill him. We also hear today from Paul who talks about those whose god is the belly and set their mind on earthly things whereas our citizenship is in heaven. We are to be different and yet we can know we are in the right place.
Lesson: Phil. 3:17-4:1 (Many set mind on earthly things - their glory is in their shame - our citizenship is in heaven)
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35 (Jesus wishes to love the ruling Jews but they were not willing)
March 6-7 - Bare with Life
Our lesson for today God talks about rivers in the desert; about waters in the wilderness. In our gospel Jesus tells a parable about a gardner who encourages the owner of a vineyard to put manure around a fig tree in hopes it will bear fruit. With God’s power inside of us, as with trees in winter, we can be bare with life. We just need a little manure for our trees.
Lesson: Isaiah 43:18-21 (I am about to do a new thing - rivers in the desert)
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 (bad things happen to those good and evil alike; 1 more chance for fig tree)
March 13-14 - Desperate with Love
A love of a child can be a desperate love. We will do anything to protect them. A love for a significant other can be the same. We are desperate to be with them. Mary’s love for Jesus in our gospel today, is desperate. She is willing to expend all of her costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. She wipes it with her hair. It is a desperate act and a wonderful act of love. How blessed we are when we love like that.
Lesson: Phil. 8-14 (everything a loss compared to Christ)
Gospel: John 12:1-8 (Mary anoints Jesus’ feet)
March 20-21 Broken with Wisdom
Our lessons for today talk about the joy of repentance and forgiveness. It seems when sin, realize that we were wrong, and feel the brokeness of our act, it fosters both wisdom and joy. How blessed we are to have sinned and discovered the Truth.
Lesson: Psalm 32 (joy of forgiveness)
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
March 27-28 (Palm Sunday) Misunderstood but Focused
Today on Palm Sunday weekend when we celebrate the first communion of many, we hear about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As we do we realize in just a few days he will be killed by the same crowds that laud him today. Jesus was misunderstood but he was focused on his task. May we too! We have been blessed to be a blessing.
No Lesson
Gospel: Luke 19:28-40 (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
April 3-4 (Easter)
The celebration of the ressurection of our Lord and the defeat of death.
No Lesson
Gospel: Luke 24:1-12 (He’s alive!)